The hiring process at the Central Intelligence Agency is little different from the hiring process at any large firm, with a few exceptions. The CIA job process includes a more invasive vetting than used by most companies in the private sector, and from application to hiring it may take may a year or more. You must be over 18 and a U.S. citizen, must not have used illegal drugs in the preceding 12 months, and must be able to obtain a security clearance.

The Application

Before you apply for employment, investigate the positions listed on the "Careers and Internships" page at the agency's website, CIA.gov. Be certain that you understand all of the requirements for the position in which you are interested. The agency reviews all applications, but only interviews those in whom it's interested. Those who are unqualified receive written notification that they are no longer being considered for the position.

Honesty and Patience

You needn’t submit separate applications for each position, because you can apply for up to four positions on a single application. Patience is essential -- if your application attracts the agency's attention, you'll hear from agency personnel by phone after they've reviewed your qualifications and done a basic background investigation, normally within 30 to 45 days. Honesty with the interviewer is essential -- these interviews are recorded and answers that are dishonest in any way will disqualify you. Other qualities the interviews and investigations will explore include strong "people skills," a good academic record, good critical thinking and problem-solving abilities and good writing skills.

No Bragging Rights

The agency recommends that, if you elect to file an application, keep it to yourself. If others learn that you are an employee or applicant of the Central intelligence Agency, they may express an interest in you or your family that is neither “benign” nor “in your best interest." The agency selects the applicants that show the most promise for investigation. The CIA doesn’t discriminate against applicants because of “race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age or sexual orientation.”

Interviews

Once the CIA has completed its initial background investigation and if the agency remains interested in an applicant, an initial and lengthy group interview for a single position is scheduled. During this interview, participants discuss the details of the position for which the applicant applied. Applicants who do well in the group interview may then be called in for one-on-one interviews.

Full Background Investigation

As part of the application process, you consent to a full background investigation. The background investigation is the most time-consuming part of the hiring process. The CIA investigates your life from birth to determine whether you possess the “character, trustworthiness, reliability and soundness of judgment” to handle the nation’s secrets. The investigation can take a year or more. Part of this process is a polygraph examination to determine whether you’ve told the truth about yourself.

After the Interviews

Following the background investigation and the interviews, you undergo a thorough physical and mental exam, to ensure you are physically and mentally qualified for the position for which you’ve applied. Part of the physical determines whether you have used illegal drugs in the past 12 months. Any illegal drug use, even if it occurred more than 12 months prior to the physical, is “carefully evaluated.”

About the Author

Will Charpentier is a writer who specializes in boating and maritime subjects. A retired ship captain, Charpentier holds a doctorate in applied ocean science and engineering. He is also a certified marine technician and the author of a popular text on writing local history.